Projectile launcher with trigger assist

A projectile launcher comprising:

• a barrel dimensioned to receive a projectile, wherein the barrel extends longitudinally along a barrel axis;
• a magazine dimensioned to carry a plurality of projectiles, wherein the magazine includes a cavity dimensioned to receive a cartridge of compressed gas, wherein a longitudinal axis defined by the magazine extends transverse to the barrel axis;
• a receiver including a breech proximate to the barrel, wherein the receiver includes an opening dimensioned to receive the magazine, wherein the receiver includes a puncture mechanism configured to pierce a seal of the compressed gas cartridge disposed in the cavity of the magazine;
• a valve assembly configured to selectively allow flow between a source of compressed gas and the breech;
• a firing assembly configured to actuate the valve assembly responsive to a trigger pull;
• and
• wherein the puncture mechanism includes a piercing pin with a tip covered by a spring-loaded wall, wherein a force applied by insertion of the magazine overcomes the spring-loaded wall to expose the tip of the piercing pin.